Ed Broadbent is back and running in Ottawa Centre

The most successful NDP leader ever returns to politics at age 68 Ottawa - Ed Broadbent, who led the New Democratic Party to a record 43 seats in his last election in 1988, is back in the federal political fray. At age 68, the man known to millions as "Ed" has been coaxed out of retirement by current NDP Leader Jack Layton. And he is running hard to win the traditionally Liberal riding of Ottawa Centre. Most think the former Oshawa MP has a good chance.

Campaigning in Ottawa Centre

In fact, if Layton makes the breakthrough that many believe is possible, and the NDP regains the support it used to have of roughly one voter in five, and 20 or more Commons seats, Ottawa Centre is a riding that will likely  reflect the change in fortune - putting Broadbent back on a front bench seat in Parliament.

Although the Liberals have won the riding by wide margins in elections dating back to the mid-1980s, Broadbent has already jumped into a visible early "lawn sign lead", and he is far better known than any of the other candidates on the ballot. His main opponent is Liberal Richard Mahoney, one of Prime Minister Paul Martin's closest advisers.

Public sector voice

If Broadbent does win, it will be a boon not only for the NDP but also for public sector workers in general.

"I will offer a passionate sense of hope that we can and ought to be doing better for mainstream people in our city," says Broadbent, who has lived in Ottawa for the past 25 years.

"In Ottawa of all places, we need an MP and party who recognize that public work is a public good. Those who drive our buses, provide health care for the sick, clean our parks, teach our kids and work in government offices in Ottawa are important to the well-being of Canada," he says.

"Now is not the time to denigrate their activity. Now is the time to praise the thousands of men and women who work for the government of Canada."

Web posted by NUPGE: 26 May 2004
(NUPGE Photos)

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